(duplicate) Lifestyle changes following head and neck cancer treatment
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Healthy lifestyle changes after treatment for head and neck cancer; a qualitative study exploring the barriers and motivational factors to change
IRAS ID
228848
Contact name
Claire Hanika
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Surrey County Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Head + neck cancer (HNC) is the 6th most common cancer worldwide with incidence increasing, particularly in younger age groups. Prior to diagnosis many HNC patients have complex social situations, with a history of poor dietary habits, smoking and alcohol abuse. Research demonstrates HNC survivors remain at high risk of recurrence, secondary primary cancers + increased risk of chronic diseases. HNC patients present some of the most significant post-treatment morbidities of any group of cancer patients, impeding proper nutrition with adverse implications for physical strength, mobility, immunity, with fatigue, depression and social isolation commonly reported, impacting on successful rehabilitation. National policy + guidelines now recognise the importance of cancer rehabilitation management in significantly improving clinical outcomes, patient Quality of Life (QoL), improved patient experience, better use of health and social care resources, promoting self-management, reducing cost of care in the home, and creating NHS savings by reducing admissions + A&E attendance. Increasing evidence supports the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, co-morbid conditions, cancer recurrence, development of second primary cancers and overall survival. This has led to a significant increase in availability + accessibility of information resources, rehabilitation services, health + well-being clinics + specialist aftercare teams. However, it is unknown whether increased accessibility+ resources have translated into survivors adopting recommended practices to help keep them healthier for longer. In order to achieve the best cancer outcomes for patients it is essential that NHS resources are deployed to best effect; inadequate supportive measures may compromise delivery of curative therapy and impact upon rehabilitation. This study aims to explore whether healthy lifestyle recommendations, specifically for smoking, alcohol, diet, weight + exercise, are being adopted by this complex patient group. The study further strives to obtain insight into barriers + motivational factors that may influence decisions of survivors to make positive lifestyle changes.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0562
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion